C10 Ten

Anna didn't know why suddenly her fingers seemed to be magicked to find Jake's contact number and call him. While cleaning herself in the public toilet after surfing, she suddenly desired to invite Jake to ride the waves in Nusa Lembongan, Canggu, or Uluwatu. She felt that Jake might have to explore more of Bali's charms besides caring for his vineyard.

In Anna's imagination, perhaps most rich people, like the back, didn't have much time to relax, especially since Jake was the principal owner who often stepped in during harvest time. She was sure Jake didn't have much time to pamper himself. Also, Anna felt ungrateful if she remained silent without repaying Jake for his help that night.

Are you returning the favour or just curious to meet again?

She shook her head in disbelief at the questions that filled her head, but most were dominated by curiosity about how a man like Jake attracted so many female fans. Since the first time she met Jake - Shanon's dream man who made her knees shake - Anna thought she should be included in the list of hot men, green flags, and dream men.

Beyond his beautiful physique, Jake truly respects women. Just look at the incident where Milo chased Anna until her clothes were torn and her cleavage was exposed. He immediately offered her his sweater to wear. Ah, Anna remembered that until now she still had the man's sweater and hadn't had time to return it.

Of course, Anna told Shanon about yesterday's events. Even though she knew her best friend would scream like crazy. However, Anna had already promised that if she met Jake, she would have to report it to Shanon. She also sent a photo of Jake taken from a distance while he was on the phone at the ER.

And, of course, as Anna predicted, Shanon was beyond hysterical and immediately contacted Anna, followed by frantic screams that the girl had issued her annual hockey card. Shanon bombarded Anna with various questions to the point that this meeting could be the start of other meetings. Yes, even though she cursed Milo and hoped the parasitic man would soon disappear from Earth. As Anna remembers, Milo doesn't deserve to live side by side with humans; that's Shanon's opinion. On the other hand, Shanon was enthusiastic and fully supportive. Anna could steal some time with the wine boss.

"When else will you have that luck, Annie? If I were in your current position, I would never miss it, even for a second. Pretend you made your memories before your fiancé arrived," said Shanon excitedly, as if time would soon run out if Anna wasted a golden opportunity.

"Come on... he's engaged, Shanon. Our relationship is just friends," said Anna, even though some of her heart agreed with Shanon's idea.

"The friend you kissed to avoid Milo," said Shanon, laughing out loud. "So, how does his lips taste? Is he a good kisser?" she teased.

"Anna?"

Jake's deep, sensual voice interrupted Anna's long reverie. She stuttered half to death, hurriedly pulled out a glass filled with young coconut ice and drank half of it to neutralise the pounding heart and hot tingling creeping up her skin. It's unlucky, Anna cursed to herself. It was like Shanon was pouring petrol into the flames, which made her dirty imagination about 'a full day with Jake' swirl around in her head even more.

"Ah, sorry, I-I... just called you because I wanted to know... do you like surfing or not?" Anna asked, then patted her forehead gently.

Oh, Anna, why are you stuttering like this?

"Surfing, huh? It's been a long time since I surfed, but... depending on who I go with, if it's with you... I think it would be interesting," said Jake with a small laugh.

'If with you'. Anna quoted this sentence when a blush appeared on her cheeks, and her lips unconsciously curved into a wide smile when she heard Jake's story. Her heart swelled like hundreds of spring flowers blooming at the same time. A reflection in Anna's brain immediately emerged clearly when Jake was wearing shorts that tightly wrapped his beautiful buttocks while standing on a surfboard. The man's characteristic dark grey highlights shone like the clear sea reflecting the sun's rays. At the same time, water mixed with sweat dripped to form paths along every curve of his muscular muscles before descending onto the beautifully carved stomach. Anna believes Jake is another embodiment of Apollo, who is really into women.

Which pleasures are you denying, Anna?

She almost drooled as her other inner goddess tapped her senses not to get too carried away by the man's sweet compliments. Nowadays, it is straightforward for women to fall into the trap of simple boasting that results in feelings that kill logic. Besides, what did she expect from a man who already had a fiancé?

Nothing, Anna! Nothing unless you want to live in a fantasy world!

Anna shook her head violently as two sides of her mind were now hurling curses. According to the ego, human relationships in the world are not eternal, even though they are bound by promises before God. They could break and end up separating because the human heart is easy to change. Meanwhile, according to the good side, Anna shouldn't provoke problems, especially the feelings of men always looking for sensation.

In the end, Anna sided with the good side and decided that her relationship with Jake couldn't be anything more special than a plate of doughnuts topped with expensive cheese shavings. No! She tightened her stance that his invitation now was merely to return the favour and nothing else. How could a wine boss be interested in someone who was an illegitimate child?

"If you want, I can take you to Uluwatu. In the afternoon, you can watch the Kecak dance together," said Anna. "How?"

"I like it, but... Keramas Beach seems better and more challenging, like Kuta's Reef break. We can relax at the beach club there," answered Jake. "Not far from that place, there is a waterfall I have wanted to visit for a long time."

"Nungnung waterfall? A collection of Singaraja? Or...Tegenungan?" Anna asked.

"The last one, Tegengungan," said Jake.

"Tegenungan, Jake. Not Tegengungan," said Anna, correcting Jake's sentence.

"Yes, that's the last thing," said Jake while laughing, making Anna laugh aloud too. "But, this week, I can't because there is a Lagom product launch and the inauguration of a collaboration with a distributor company in Gangnam."

"Gangnam?" Anna repeated. "South Korea?"

"That's right. My guests will come, and it's impossible if I don't welcome them. As long as Miss is there, I want to introduce them to her. If you want, you can come. Coincidentally, the location is not far from your house; I can make a reservation--"

"Jake!" interrupted Anna, unable to accept any more offers made by the wine boss. She had already outlined a yellow line for the safe zone of Jake's charm. Why did that man break it again and drag Anna into a forbidden area where she could lose control?

"That's your event. There's no way I can blend in there like a stupid cow. I should go around your garden and meet the gentlemen picking grapes rather than be with important people," continued Anna, refusing politely.

Besides, it's a rich people's event, can't I hang around?

Jake laughed again as if every word Anna said sounded funny. Meanwhile, Anna cursed that Jake's world was certainly different from hers. This man is busy; how could he possibly take the time to play with the waves as she works and vacations as she pleases?

"Okay. I can accompany you to Lagom. Consider it a free tour because I will take you to the factory and show you our wine-making process. Maybe we can go there with Nonna? Before dinner together, Anna."

"That's a great idea. Next time we surf, let me be your tour guide. OK. I know many exotic places to impress you," said Anna enthusiastically.

"Good girl," said Jake. "I have to go home, Anna. Nonna is waiting for me at home. Don't forget Saturday. I can't wait for it."

###

"Don't wear that. Do you want to look like a pick-me girl?" Shanon teased via video call when Anna showed a green polka dot chiffon dress with spaghetti straps and a very low V cleavage when worn. "Unless it's just you and Jake, I just agree." She glanced meaningfully while giggling.

"Shanon!" shouted Anna, embarrassed until her face turned bright red. "If I didn't meet his grandmother, I might wear shorts and a tank top. But, this... argh! He asked me to meet him officially, Shanon." She opened the cupboard's contents in frustration because she was confused about what she should look like. Anna wanted to make a good impression on Jake's grandmother, but no good ideas came to mind. Then, her right hand took a dress at random, a black midi dress with a U-cut at the neck and an A-line at the hips.

"You want to attend the death event?" Shanon blurted out irritably. "It's just a free tour and dinner; you wear casual but still elegant clothes, Annie!"

"My casual clothes look immodest for meeting Jake's grandmother!" Anna exclaimed, then turned the cellphone camera towards the wardrobe to show her stock of clothes. "Do I wear... this denim skirt and this strappy white top?"

"That's perfect for a date, Mate. Ah!" Shanon snapped her fingers and then pointed at a dark orange patterned cloth, a little flower. "What's that? Under your pile of denim pants, Annie!"

Anna pulled out the object that Shanon was referring to, an asymmetrical button skirt she bought last year in Denpasar. "This?"

"You can wear that; you can combine the top with... that crop top shirt you're crazy about. You have white, right?" Shanon asked while supporting her chin with her right hand. "If possible, the style is lacy and doesn't overexpose your chest, Annie. So, you can style like French girls."

Anna tried dismantling her pile of clothes, hoping to find what Shanon wanted. Soon, her round eyes widened as if she had found a treasure when she saw a white sleeveless blouse, almost like Shanon's imagination. The shoulder straps are vast, so it doesn't give the impression that she's flirting with a man; the cleavage forms a U shape and isn't too low, either. The accent looks sweet because the stitching that gathers at the top and bottom is detailed with broderie anglaise. She just remembered buying this shirt at H&M when there was a sale at the end of last year.

"This is what you mean?" Anna pointed to Shanon, showing off the top.

"Correct!" Shanon exclaimed happily. "You use natural make-up, but highlight the red lipstick on your sexy lips, Annie. Your short hair is curled a little, and part is tied. Ah! I'm sure Jake will be amazed."

"Hey... he's engaged!" Anna reminded her curtly.

"Ah, sorry, I suddenly forgot. Understandably, they are often in a long-distance relationship, so not much is exposed on their lover's account," said Shanon, waving her hand. "LDR is hard; only strong people can go through it because out there... there are lots of temptations."

"Are you serious?" Anna was stunned and curious. "You're a big fan of Lagom, Shanon. I've never been that big of a fan."

"I do, Mate! I fell in love with the drink as well as the owner. Honey, luck fell on you. So, I can only do what's best for my friend," complained Shanon, supporting her chin with her right hand.

"We're just friends, Shanon," said Anna, shaking her head and straightening her clothes scattered on the bed. "Classic gold earrings? Do you think they are suitable?"

Shannon shrugged. "Suitable. With gold earrings, your exotic skin will look good but don't overdo it. Oh yes, sandals! Don't forget to wear comfortable sandals and a rattan bag. Then you look like a French girl!"